Before you write: a few quick checks
- Make sure you're on the latest version of MapShifter. Open the App Store, pull to refresh, and install any pending update.
- Try force-quitting the app: swipe up from the bottom and flick MapShifter off the top of the screen, then reopen.
- Try restarting your iPhone. It resolves more location and networking weirdness than anyone would like to admit.
- Check that Location Services is enabled: iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → MapShifter → "While Using the App".
Which iOS versions and devices are supported?
iOS 17 or later, on iPhone. MapShifter also includes an Apple Watch companion app and an iPhone home-screen widget. iPad runs the iPhone build in compatibility mode.
Do I need an account?
No. Install, open, pick a skin, and go. We don't do accounts.
How do I switch skins?
Tap the skin picker at the top of the map, browse the collection, and tap one to apply. The whole map morphs without losing your current location or active route.
The map won't show my location.
Open iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. Make sure the top toggle is on. Scroll to MapShifter and set it to "While Using the App". Also make sure Precise Location is on — without it, the map center will be quite rough.
If you still don't see yourself after granting permission, try stepping outside or near a window — indoor GPS can take a while to acquire.
Routing gives me a weird or long route.
Routing is powered by Project OSRM on top of OpenStreetMap data. Most of the time it's spot-on, but in edge cases (construction, restrictions we don't know about, one-ways) it can route oddly. If you find a consistently bad route, email us with the start and end points and we'll look into it — often it's a fix in OSM that benefits everyone.
Does MapShifter work offline?
You can download map regions for offline use. Panning and zooming within a downloaded region works without a connection. Live routing, search, and place info require internet — we can't compute a cross-country drive from zero bars.
A place is missing or in the wrong spot.
Place data comes from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer-edited open database. The fastest way to fix it for everyone is to edit OSM directly at openstreetmap.org (it's free, and takes about five minutes to learn). Edits usually appear in MapShifter within a few days once tiles refresh.
Does MapShifter track me or sell my data?
No. There is no analytics SDK in the app, no ad tech, no account system, and no MapShifter-operated server that collects your location. Search and routing queries go directly from your phone to open-data services when you use those features. See the privacy policy for the full breakdown.
How do I delete my data?
Uninstall the app. That removes all locally-stored data (your preferences, search history, cached and offline regions). Since there's no account, there's nothing on our side to delete.
How do refunds work?
Payments and refunds for anything purchased inside MapShifter are handled by Apple through the App Store. Request a refund at reportaproblem.apple.com. We don't see your card details.
Can I restore my purchases on a new device?
Yes — sign in to the same Apple ID you used to purchase, open MapShifter's in-app store, and tap "Restore Purchases".
I found a bug.
Thanks — bug reports make the app better. Please include:
- What happened vs. what you expected.
- Steps to reproduce.
- iPhone model, iOS version, MapShifter version.
- A screenshot or screen recording if relevant.
Email support@mapshifter.com.
I want a new skin (or feature).
We keep a list, and it drives the roadmap. Email support@mapshifter.com with what you want and why — the "why" matters more than you'd think.
Press, partnerships, or sponsorship.
Reach out at support@mapshifter.com and we'll route you to the right place.
Still stuck?
If you didn't find what you need above, write to support@mapshifter.com with as much detail as you can. We read every message and try to reply within two business days.